The newly constructed Riverslea Bridge will soon be required to undergo repairs, after a fire was deliberately lit at the base of the structure over the weekend.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said it is incredibly disappointing to report damage to a community asset less than one year after it was built.
“It’s upsetting to say the least, especially given the fact that the fire was intentional,” Mayor Williams said.
“Debris and logs that were pushed to the base of the structure in recent river flows were lit on fire over the weekend, and this has caused considerable damage to the pile cap and the base of the pier.
“While the bridge is still safe to use, it is going to mean a large bill for Council to foot in order to see it repaired.
“The cost to repair the concrete damage is estimated at around $100,000 – which is a hard pill to swallow as this bridge was only completed in May last year and at a cost of $12.5 million.”
The single-lane bridge is 18 metres high and 260 metres long and consists of 16 girders each weighing 80 tonnes. Its construction also included 300 metres of new road connecting the approaches to the bridge, as well as passing bays at both ends.
Infrastructure Councillor Ellen Smith said the structure at Riverslea was funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments and delivered in partnership with Sunwater.
“It’s an asset to the community and allows families in this area to get their kids to school and quicker trips to nearby towns,” Cr Smith said.
“It also provides increased safety for the community, who prior to its completion, would have to cross the river by boat when the river would flood during the wet season.”
Cr Smith said Council is calling on anyone with details to come forward.
“The matter is with the police at the moment and we would strongly encourage anyone with information to pass this on to the local police,” Cr Smith said.
“Whether this level of damage was intentional or not, the fire was, and there are people in the community who know about it.”
